Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Former Australia centre Tim Horan believes the Wallabies should relax the 'Giteau Law' in Rugby World Cup years in order to enhance their squad.
Currently, players plying their trade overseas are ineligible unless they have 60 or more caps and have given seven years of service in Super Rugby.
Wallabies Nic White, James O’Connor and Matt Toomua have signed contracts with Super Rugby outfits for 2020.
However, one player who isn’t yet eligible is second-rower Will Skelton, due to him being contracted to Saracens, and Horan is keen for the in-form lock to be picked as he would bolster their forward pack in Japan.
“I would select Will Skelton if we need to,” Horan told rugby.com.au.
“I’m a big believer in the Giteau rule, I get the 60 matches. But I’m a big believer in a World Cup year, you should be able to pick anyone from around the world. Where they are playing, it doesn’t matter, get the best team that gives us the best opportunity to win a World Cup.”
One downside to Horan’s idea is that more players could be lured away from Australian clubs, something the pundit believes is a risk worth taking.
“I would be (prepared to take the risk),” the 49-year-old continued.
“We want to win the World Cup and yes we want our best players back playing Super Rugby, but if a player like a Samu Kerevi is away for the next five years, we would want him back, just for the World Cup year.
“It is only my personal opinion, I don’t think Rugby Australia would be that favourable to it. But I just think you need to select the best players from around the world, your best 31, it doesn’t matter where they play.”
